20 Fun Facts About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window repair tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. You can find this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most instances.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the sash upvc window repair frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window repairs components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.